US7682412B2 - Multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus - Google Patents

Multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US7682412B2
US7682412B2 US11/408,772 US40877206A US7682412B2 US 7682412 B2 US7682412 B2 US 7682412B2 US 40877206 A US40877206 A US 40877206A US 7682412 B2 US7682412 B2 US 7682412B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
cyclone
air
cyclones
chamber
dust collection
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related, expires
Application number
US11/408,772
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20070079583A1 (en
Inventor
Jang-Keun Oh
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co Ltd filed Critical Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co Ltd
Assigned to SAMSUNG GWANGJU ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. reassignment SAMSUNG GWANGJU ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: OH, JANG-KEUN
Publication of US20070079583A1 publication Critical patent/US20070079583A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US7682412B2 publication Critical patent/US7682412B2/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B04CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
    • B04CAPPARATUS USING FREE VORTEX FLOW, e.g. CYCLONES
    • B04C5/00Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex is reversed
    • B04C5/12Construction of the overflow ducting, e.g. diffusing or spiral exits
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1608Cyclonic chamber constructions
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1616Multiple arrangement thereof
    • A47L9/1625Multiple arrangement thereof for series flow
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1616Multiple arrangement thereof
    • A47L9/1641Multiple arrangement thereof for parallel flow
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1658Construction of outlets
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1683Dust collecting chambers; Dust collecting receptacles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B04CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
    • B04CAPPARATUS USING FREE VORTEX FLOW, e.g. CYCLONES
    • B04C5/00Apparatus in which the axial direction of the vortex is reversed
    • B04C5/24Multiple arrangement thereof
    • B04C5/26Multiple arrangement thereof for series flow
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S55/00Gas separation
    • Y10S55/03Vacuum cleaner

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and in particular, to a multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus, which is employed in a vacuum cleaner so as to filter dirt suctioned from a surface to be cleaned together with air, using centrifugal force over two or more steps.
  • a cyclone vacuum cleaner comprises a bottom brush for suctioning dirt from a surface to be cleaned together with air, a motor driving chamber provided with a driving source, and a vacuum cleaner body provided with a cyclone collection apparatus.
  • the cyclone collection apparatus is constructed in such a way that dust-entrained air, which is introduced from the bottom brush, is caused to form a swirling air stream so that dirt is separated from the air by centrifugal force, the dirt is collected, and clean air is discharged into the motor driving chamber.
  • a multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus that separates dust entrained in air over two or more steps, wherein such a multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus comprises one or more secondary cyclones.
  • Korean Patent Application No. 2003-62520 discloses a multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus in which second cyclones are arranged around a first cyclone.
  • a dust collection apparatus is configured in such a manner that ambient air is introduced into an upper part of the first cyclone and discharged through upper parts of the second cyclones.
  • an airflow path from the bottom brush of the cleaner to the air inlet of the first cyclone of the cyclone dust collection apparatus, and an airflow path from the air outlet of the second cyclone to the motor driving chamber provided at the bottom part of the cleaner are too long.
  • there is a problem in that the loss in suction force in the piping of the cleaner is too high.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus, capable of reducing the lengths of a flow path for air introduced from a bottom brush to the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus and a flow path for air discharged from the cyclone dust collection apparatus to a motor driving chamber, thereby reducing the loss in suction force.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus, the overall height of which is reduced so that the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus can be easily applied to a compact-size cleaner such as a canister-type cleaner as well as an upright type cleaner.
  • a multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus comprising: a multi-cyclone body having an air inflow port provided at the bottom of the multi-cyclone body so as to allow ambient air flow into the multi-cyclone body, a first cyclone body communicated with the air inflow port, and a second cyclone body provided with a plurality of second cyclones arranged around the first cyclone body, a sealing cover joined to the top end of the multi-cyclone body so as to close the multi-cyclone body; an inflow/outflow guide cover joined to the bottom of the multi-cyclone body, the first cyclone body and the plurality of second cyclones being communicated with each other by the inflow/outflow guide cover; and a discharge cover jointed to the lower end of the inflow/outflow guide cover so as to collect the air discharged from the plurality of second cyclones through the inflow/outflow guide cover and then so as to discharge the collected air to the outside of the multi-
  • the first cyclone body is preferably formed with an air outlet at the lower end thereof and the air discharged from the air outlet is preferably introduced into the second cyclones through the lower ends of the second cyclones.
  • the air discharged from the air outlet is preferably introduced into the second cyclones through the lower ends of the second cyclones.
  • the first cyclone body may comprise a first chamber outer wall defining a first cyclone chamber which causes the dirt-containing air introduced from the air inflow port to form additional swirling air streams
  • each of the plurality of second cyclones may comprise a second chamber outer wall defining a second cyclone chamber, which causes the dirt-containing air introduced from the first cyclone body to form swirling air stream
  • the central axis of the swirling air stream formed in the first cyclone chamber may not be parallel to the central axis of the swirling air stream formed in each of the second cyclone chambers.
  • each of the second cyclones may be formed in such a way that the central axis of the swirling air stream in each of the second cyclone chambers is more spaced away from the central axis of the swirling air stream formed in the first cyclone chamber as approaching the top end of the second cyclone.
  • the multi-cyclone body may further comprise a dirt collecting chamber formed between the first chamber outer wall and the outer wall of the multi-cyclone body, and the dirt collecting chamber may be divided by a separating partition into a first dirt collecting chamber for collecting relatively coarse dirt separated from the air in the first cyclone body and a second dirt collecting chamber for collecting relatively fine dirt separated from the air in the plurality of second cyclones.
  • the sealing cover may be detachably joined to the top end of the multi-cyclone body, thereby cooperating with the first chamber outer wall so as to form a dirt outlet for discharging the dirt separated from the air in the first cyclone chamber into the first dirt collecting chamber, and a knob is provided on the top of the sealing cover.
  • the sealing cover may further comprise a backflow prevention member, which is extended from the bottom of the sealing cover and inserted into the multi-cyclone body so as to prevent the dirt collected in the first dirt collecting chamber from flowing backward to the first cyclone chamber.
  • a backflow prevention member which is extended from the bottom of the sealing cover and inserted into the multi-cyclone body so as to prevent the dirt collected in the first dirt collecting chamber from flowing backward to the first cyclone chamber.
  • the first cyclone body may further comprise: a helical guide member for guiding the air introduced through the air inflow port so that the air forms an ascending air stream in the first cyclone chamber; and an air discharging pipe mounted vertically from the lower end of the first chamber outer wall in such a manner as to be communicated with the air outlet, the air discharging pipe guiding the ascending air stream formed in the first cyclone chamber to the air outlet.
  • a multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus comprising: a first cyclone having an inlet through which ambient air is introduced into the first cyclone, in which the air introduced into the first cyclone is caused to swirl and ascend in the first cyclone so that dust is separated from the air; and a plurality of second cyclones arranged around the lower part of the first cyclone, in which the air discharged from the first cyclone into the plurality of second cyclones is further caused to swirl and ascend so that dust is separated from the air, each of the plurality of second cyclones having an outlet through which the purified air is discharged from the plurality of second cyclones.
  • the inlet is provided at the bottom of the first cyclone and the air outlets are provided at the lower ends of the plurality of second cyclones so that ambient air is introduced into the first cyclone through the bottom of the first cyclone and then the purified air is discharged from the second cyclones through the lower ends of the second cyclones.
  • a dirt collecting chamber may be formed between the first cyclone and the second cyclones, and it is more preferable that the body of the first cyclone body and the body of the second cyclones are integrally injection-molded.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a bottom-side perspective view of a multi-cyclone body of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of an inflow/outflow guide cover of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along a line 5 - 5 of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an upright type vacuum cleaner, to which a multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention is employed.
  • a multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 comprises a first cyclone having a first cyclone body 120 , an air inflow port 127 defining an inlet 127 ′, and an air outlet 124 , and second cyclones respectively having an air inlet 141 , a second cyclone body 130 and discharge guide flow paths 182 which serve as outlets. Since each of the second cyclones is formed in a cone shape, they will be hereinafter referred to as a “second cyclone”.
  • the inlet 127 ′ is formed at the lower part of the first cyclone and the discharge guide flow paths 182 serving as outlets, are formed at the lower parts of the second cyclones. Therefore, referring to FIG. 1 , ambient air is introduced into the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 through the air inflow port 127 and the clean air, from which dirt has been removed over two steps, is discharged to the outside of the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 through an air outflow port 192 via the discharge guide flow paths 182 (see FIG. 5 ). Accordingly, as shown in FIG.
  • the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus comprises a multi-cyclone body 110 , a sealing cover 170 , an inflow/outflow guide cover 180 , and a discharge cover 190 .
  • the multi-cyclone body 110 forms a swirling air stream from the dirt-containing air introduced from the outside, and filters off the dirt from the air over two steps.
  • the multi-cyclone body 110 is integrally injection-molded, so that the multi-cyclone body 110 can be manufactured in a compact-sized configuration and the number of steps for assembling the multi-cyclone body 110 can be reduced.
  • the outer wall 112 of the multi-cyclone body 110 has, at the lower side thereof, the air inflow port 127 for drawing in ambient air into the multi-cyclone body.
  • the air inflow port 127 extends to a first chamber outer wall 123 through the outer wall 112 of the multi-cyclone body 110 .
  • the multi-cyclone body 110 comprises a first cyclone body 120 and a second cyclone body 130 .
  • the first cyclone body 120 comprises the first chamber outer wall 123 defining a first cyclone chamber 122 , a first air inlet 121 , and an air outlet 124 .
  • the dirt-containing air introduced through the air inflow port 127 is caused to form a swirling air stream so that relatively coarse dirt can be separated from the air.
  • the first air inlet 121 is communicated with the air inflow port 127 , thereby allowing the air introduced through the air inflow port 127 to flow into the first cyclone chamber 122 .
  • the air outlet 124 is formed at the lower end of the first cyclone chamber 122 , through which the dirt removed air is discharged.
  • An air discharging pipe 126 with a predetermined vertical height is provided at the center of the first cyclone chamber 122 so that the air discharge pipe 126 communicates with the air outlet 124 .
  • the air ascending from the first cyclone chamber 122 descends through the air discharging pipe 126 and flows out of the air discharging pipe 126 through the air outlet 124 .
  • guide members 125 are successively provided to be upwardly inclined in a helical shape.
  • the air introduced through the first air inlet 127 swirls while forming the ascending air stream due to the guide members 125 in the first cyclone chamber 122 .
  • a grill member 160 is mounted on the top end of the air discharging pipe 125 so that the dirt separated from the air cannot flow out through the air discharging pipe 125 .
  • a dirt collecting chamber 150 is formed between the first chamber outer wall 123 and the outer wall 112 of the multi-cyclone body 110 .
  • the dirt collecting chamber 150 comprises a first dirt collecting chamber 151 for collecting relatively coarse dirt filtered in the first cyclone body 120 and a second dirt collecting chamber 152 for collecting relatively fine dirt filtered in the second cyclone body 130 .
  • the first dirt collecting chamber 151 and the second dirt collecting chamber 152 are defined by a separating partition 128 .
  • the dirt collecting chamber 150 is secured between the first cyclone body 120 and the second cyclone body 130 , it is not necessary to provide a dedicated dirt collecting receptacle. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the overall height of the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 so that the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus can be applied to a variety of cleaners.
  • the second cyclone body 130 comprises a plurality of second cyclones 140 .
  • the plurality of second cyclones 140 secondarily filter the fine dirt contained in the air introduced from the first cyclone body 120 .
  • the plurality of second cyclones 140 are arranged around the first cyclone body 120 at a predetermined interval to be approximately parallel to each other. It is preferred that the second cyclones 140 are substantially same with each other in size and shape.
  • the plurality of second cyclones 140 also are configured in such a way that air is introduced from the lower ends thereof, thereby reducing the length of the airflow path.
  • each of the second cyclones 140 is configured in a conical shape, i.e., a shape whose diameter is reduced as approaching the top end thereof. Therefore, the second cyclones 140 will be referred to as cyclone cones 140 hereinafter.
  • Each of the cyclone cones 140 comprises a second air inlet 141 and a second chamber outer wall 143 defining a cyclone cone chamber 142 .
  • the second air inlet 141 is communicated with the air outlet 124 of the first cyclone body 120 through the inflow guide flow path 182 of the inflow/outflow guide cover 180 (see FIG. 6 ).
  • the cyclone cone chamber 142 allows the air introduced through the second air inlet 141 to form additional swirling streams so that fine dirt can be separated from the air.
  • the second chamber outer wall 143 of each of the cyclone cones 140 is inclined toward the outer wall 112 of the multi-cyclone body 110 as approaching the top end 143 a thereof. That is, the central axis 149 of the swirling air stream in each of the cyclone cone chambers 142 is not parallel to the central axis 129 of the swirling air stream in the first cyclone chamber 122 .
  • the fine dirt separated from the air in each of the cyclone cone chambers 142 of the cyclone cones 140 is discharged to the second dirt collecting chamber 152 .
  • the first dirt collecting chamber 151 is larger than the second dirt collecting chamber 152 in volume. Accordingly, it is preferred that the central axis 149 of the swirling air stream in each of the cyclone cone chambers 142 is inclined away from the central axis 129 of the swirling air stream of the first cyclone chamber 122 as approaching the top end 143 a of the corresponding second chamber outer wall 143 .
  • the sealing cover 170 is joined to the top end of the multi-cyclone body 110 so as to close the inside of the multi-cyclone body 110 . Meanwhile, the sealing cover 170 forms a dirt outlet 171 together with the top end of the first chamber outer wall 123 when it is joined to the top end of the multi-cyclone body 110 .
  • the dirt separated from the air in the first cyclone chamber 122 is accumulated in the first dirt collecting chamber 151 through the dirt outlet 171 .
  • a backflow prevention member 172 is provided on the inner surface or bottom surface of the sealing cover 170 for preventing the dirt accumulated in the first dirt collecting chamber 151 from flowing back to the first cyclone chamber 122 .
  • the backflow prevention member 172 is extended into the multi-cyclone body 110 when the sealing cover 170 is joined to the top end of the multi-cyclone body 110 , in which the diameter of the backflow prevention member 172 is larger than that of the first chamber outer wall 123 .
  • the sealing cover 170 is detachably joined to the top end of the multi-cyclone body 110 , and an upper surface of the sealing cover 170 is provided with a knob 173 , as shown in FIG. 2 . Accordingly, in order to empty the dirt from the dirt collecting chamber 150 after cleaning, a user may grasp the knob 173 with one hand to open the sealing cover 170 , while holding the multi-cyclone body 110 with the other hand, and then empty the collected dirt from the dirt collecting chamber 150 by inverting the multi-cyclone body so that the dirt exits through the top end of the multi-cyclone body 110 . Therefore, the dust emptying work can be easily performed, thereby improving the user's convenience.
  • the inflow/outflow guide cover 180 is joined to the lower end of the multi-cyclone body 110 and comprises a guide cone 181 , inflow guide flow paths 182 and discharge guide flow paths 183 .
  • the guide cone 181 guides the air discharged from the air outlet 124 of the first cyclone body 120 , so that the air is radially spread.
  • the inflow guide flow paths 182 guide so that the radially spread air is forcibly introduced into each of the cyclone cones 140 .
  • Each of the inflow guide flow paths 182 has a predetermined width and depth and has a helical shape as approaching a corresponding cyclone cone 140 .
  • the discharge guide flow paths 183 guide the air separated from the dirt in the cyclone cone chambers 142 so that the air is discharged to the outside of the cyclone cone chambers 142 .
  • each of the discharge guide flow paths 183 with a circular pipe shape is extended into a corresponding cyclone cone chamber 142 to a certain depth so that the air discharged through the discharge guide flow paths 183 is not mixed with the air introduced through the second air inlets 141 .
  • the discharge cover 190 is joined to the bottom part of the inflow/outflow guide cover 180 .
  • the discharge cover 190 has predetermined height for defining a space therein, wherein the discharge cover 190 is provided with an air outflow port 192 at a side thereof.
  • the present invention is not limited to the position of the air outflow port 192 . That is, the air outflow port 192 may be provided at the central of the bottom part of the discharge cover 190 .
  • the air discharged from the cyclone cones 140 through the discharge guide flow paths 183 is collected in the discharge cover 190 and then discharged to the outside of the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 through the air outflow port 192 .
  • the inflow/outflow guide cover 180 and the discharge cover 190 are separated from each other in the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, it should be noted that the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the inflow/outflow guide cover 180 and the discharge cover 190 may be integrally formed.
  • the dirt-containing air introduced via the air inflow port 127 flows in the first cyclone chamber 122 through the first air inlet 121 .
  • the introduced air is guided by the guide member 125 , thereby forming the swirling air stream while ascending in the first cyclone chamber 122 .
  • relatively coarse dirt contained in the air is concentrated toward the first chamber outer wall 123 due to the centrifugal force and is accumulated in the first dirt collecting chamber 151 through the dirt outlet 171 while flowing upward with the ascending air stream.
  • the ascending air stream collides with the sealing cover 170 , thereby being diverted to a descending air stream which passes the grill member 160 and flows into the air discharging pipe 126 .
  • the air introduced into the air discharging pipe 126 flows out of the air outlet 124 , and radially spreads due to the guide cone 181 . Then, the air is guided by the inflow guide flow paths 182 so that the air flows into the cyclone cones 140 .
  • the air flowing in the cyclone cones 140 forms a swirling air stream while ascending in the cyclone cone chambers 142 .
  • fine dirt contained in the air is concentrated toward the second chamber outer walls 143 and flows out of the cyclone cone chamber 142 while flowing upward along with the ascending air stream. Accordingly, the fine dirt is accumulated in the second dirt collecting chamber 152 .
  • the air again descends again after the fine dirt is removed and then the air is discharged through the discharge guide flow paths 183 .
  • the air discharged through the discharge guide flow paths 183 is collected in the discharge cover 190 and flows out of the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 through the air outflow port 192 .
  • the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 is generally configured in such a way that ambient air flows into the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 through the lower part thereof and flows out of the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 through the lower part thereof.
  • the sealing cover 170 is provided at the upper part of the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 , so that the collected dirt can be easily emptied from the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 only by opening the sealing cover 170 .
  • an upright type vacuum cleaner 200 which employs the inventive multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 , comprises a vacuum cleaner body 210 and a bottom brush 220 .
  • a motor driving chamber (not shown) is provided within the lower part of the vacuum cleaner body 210 and the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 is mounted on the top of the motor driving chamber.
  • the air inflow port 127 of the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 communicates with the bottom brush 220 through a first flow path 230 and the air outflow port 192 communicates with the motor driving chamber through a second flow path 240 .
  • the air inflow port 127 and the air outflow port 192 are formed at the lower part of the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the invention, the lengths of the first flow path 230 and the second flow path 240 are relatively reduced, as compared to those of a conventional vacuum cleaner, which employs a conventional multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus. Because the lengths of the first flow path 230 and the second flow path 240 are relatively reduced, the loss in suction force generated in the driving source can be reduced. In addition, the internal construction of the vacuum cleaner body 100 can be simplified.
  • air inflow/outflow paths are provided in the lower part of the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus.
  • airflow paths communicating the motor driving chamber, the bottom brush and the air inlet/outlet ports of the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus can be shortened, thereby reducing the loss in suction force generated from the motor driving chamber.
  • the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus it is possible to make the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus more compact by integrally injection-molding the first cyclone body and the cyclone cone body. Because a dirt collecting chamber is secured between the first cyclone body and the cyclone cone body, it is not necessary to provide a separate dirt collecting receptacle. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the overall height of the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus, so that the multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus can be applied to various cleaners.
  • the cyclone cones are arranged to be inclined toward the cyclone body, the convenience in collecting and discharge dust can be enhanced.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filters For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
  • Cyclones (AREA)
  • Separating Particles In Gases By Inertia (AREA)
US11/408,772 2005-10-10 2006-04-21 Multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus Expired - Fee Related US7682412B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020050095102A KR100667877B1 (ko) 2005-10-10 2005-10-10 멀티 사이클론 집진장치
KR10-2005-0095102 2005-10-10

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20070079583A1 US20070079583A1 (en) 2007-04-12
US7682412B2 true US7682412B2 (en) 2010-03-23

Family

ID=37600806

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/408,772 Expired - Fee Related US7682412B2 (en) 2005-10-10 2006-04-21 Multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US7682412B2 (de)
EP (1) EP1772090B1 (de)
KR (1) KR100667877B1 (de)
CN (1) CN1947640A (de)
AU (1) AU2006201992B2 (de)
DE (1) DE602006016206D1 (de)
RU (1) RU2318427C1 (de)

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100205917A1 (en) * 2009-02-16 2010-08-19 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Dust separating apparatus of vacuum cleaner
US20110131936A1 (en) * 2007-07-30 2011-06-09 Ging-Chung Chen Structure of an impurities collecting bucket for an air separator and purifier
US20120042616A1 (en) * 2004-06-18 2012-02-23 Donaldson Company, Inc. Air cleaner arrangement; serviceable filter cartridge; and, methods
US20120117753A1 (en) * 2010-11-16 2012-05-17 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Cyclone dust collecting apparatus and vacuum cleaner having the same
US20140352270A1 (en) * 2012-02-14 2014-12-04 Zhejiang Sanhua Climate and Appliance Controls Group Co., Ltd. Gas-liquid separator
US9693665B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2017-07-04 Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. Vacuum cleaner having cyclonic separator
US9775483B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2017-10-03 Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. Vacuum cleaner having cyclonic separator
US9885196B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2018-02-06 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner power coupling
US9885194B1 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-02-06 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner impeller subassembly
US9896858B1 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-02-20 Hayward Industries, Inc. Hydrocyclonic pool cleaner
US9909333B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2018-03-06 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner with hydrocyclonic particle separator and/or six-roller drive system
US10117551B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2018-11-06 Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. Handheld vacuum cleaner
US10156083B2 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-12-18 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner power coupling
US10631697B2 (en) 2014-02-14 2020-04-28 Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. Separator configuration
US11185201B2 (en) * 2016-04-25 2021-11-30 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Cyclone assembly for surface cleaning apparatus and a surface cleaning apparatus having same

Families Citing this family (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070144116A1 (en) * 2005-12-23 2007-06-28 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Cyclonic cleaner
KR100706622B1 (ko) * 2006-05-03 2007-04-13 삼성광주전자 주식회사 진공청소기의 컴팩트 듀얼 사이클론 집진장치
KR100776403B1 (ko) 2007-02-14 2007-11-16 삼성광주전자 주식회사 진공청소기용 사이클론 집진장치
CN201123782Y (zh) * 2007-04-03 2008-10-01 苏州金莱克家用电器有限公司 吸尘器的除尘装置
KR100849548B1 (ko) 2007-07-16 2008-07-31 엘지전자 주식회사 진공 청소기
GB2453949B (en) 2007-10-23 2012-03-28 Hoover Ltd Cyclonic separation apparatus
US20110023261A1 (en) * 2009-07-29 2011-02-03 Proffitt Ii Donald E Filterless and bagless vacuum cleaner incorporating a sling shot separator
GB2487599B (en) * 2011-01-31 2015-04-08 Hoover Ltd Cyclonic separator
CN102327096B (zh) * 2011-09-29 2013-10-02 江苏美的春花电器股份有限公司 吸尘器的尘杯及吸尘器
CN104010556B (zh) * 2011-12-19 2017-08-11 皇家飞利浦有限公司 旋风真空吸尘器及旋风分离装置
CN103284658A (zh) * 2012-02-28 2013-09-11 乐金电子(天津)电器有限公司 集尘筒内中央型旋风分离结构
KR101397054B1 (ko) 2012-08-31 2014-05-20 엘지전자 주식회사 진공청소기
KR101414656B1 (ko) 2012-08-31 2014-07-03 엘지전자 주식회사 진공청소기
DE102012020134A1 (de) * 2012-10-15 2014-04-17 Mann + Hummel Gmbh Zyklonabscheider
CN103654625A (zh) * 2013-12-18 2014-03-26 苏州凯丽达电器有限公司 一种旋风尘气分离装置
KR102180680B1 (ko) * 2014-02-10 2020-11-20 삼성전자주식회사 사이클론 집진장치 및 이를 갖는 청소기
US9936846B2 (en) * 2016-04-25 2018-04-10 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Cyclone assembly for surface cleaning apparatus and a surface cleaning apparatus having same
US10251521B2 (en) 2016-04-25 2019-04-09 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Cyclone assembly for surface cleaning apparatus and a surface cleaning apparatus having same
US10201260B2 (en) * 2016-04-25 2019-02-12 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Cyclone assembly for surface cleaning apparatus and a surface cleaning apparatus having same
US10537219B2 (en) 2016-04-25 2020-01-21 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Cyclone assembly for surface cleaning apparatus and a surface cleaning apparatus having same
KR101854681B1 (ko) * 2016-08-25 2018-06-08 엘지전자 주식회사 집진장치 및 이를 구비하는 진공 청소기
US11285495B2 (en) * 2016-12-27 2022-03-29 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Multistage cyclone and surface cleaning apparatus having same
CN110381790B (zh) * 2017-01-10 2022-01-21 奥马克罗知识产权有限公司 用于表面清洁装置的旋风组件和具有旋风组件的表面清洁装置
KR102070065B1 (ko) * 2018-03-14 2020-03-02 엘지전자 주식회사 싸이클론 집진 장치 및 이를 포함하는 청소기
GB2576183A (en) * 2018-08-08 2020-02-12 Black & Decker Inc A vacuum cleaner
US10828650B2 (en) 2018-09-21 2020-11-10 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Multi cyclone array for surface cleaning apparatus and a surface cleaning apparatus having same
CN110338703B (zh) * 2019-07-24 2024-04-02 宁波久昌电器有限公司 一种手持式旋风分离吸尘器

Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2619498A1 (fr) 1987-08-17 1989-02-24 Bonnet Georges Filtre a batterie cyclonique pour aspirateurs
GB2360719A (en) 2000-03-31 2001-10-03 Notetry Ltd Apparatus for separating particles from a fluid flow
US6428589B1 (en) 2000-09-29 2002-08-06 Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Two-stage particle separator for vacuum cleaners
WO2002067756A1 (en) 2001-02-24 2002-09-06 Dyson Ltd Cyclonic separating apparatus
WO2002067755A1 (en) 2001-02-24 2002-09-06 Dyson Ltd Cyclonic separating apparatus
US6482252B1 (en) * 1999-01-08 2002-11-19 Fantom Technologies Inc. Vacuum cleaner utilizing electrostatic filtration and electrostatic precipitator for use therein
KR20030062520A (ko) 2002-01-17 2003-07-28 김계훈 석고 및 요소를 포함하는 질소비료
US6732406B2 (en) * 2001-01-11 2004-05-11 Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Upright type vacuum cleaner
FR2865917A1 (fr) 2004-02-11 2005-08-12 Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co Collecteur de poussiere a cyclones
US20050252180A1 (en) * 2004-05-14 2005-11-17 Jang-Keun Oh Cyclone vessel dust collector and vacuum cleaner having the same
US20070079587A1 (en) * 2005-10-11 2007-04-12 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Multi-cyclone dust collector for vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner employing the same
US20070079585A1 (en) * 2005-10-11 2007-04-12 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Multi cyclone dust collector for a vacuum cleaner
US20070095029A1 (en) * 2005-10-28 2007-05-03 Lg Electronics Inc. Upright vacuum cleaner
US7297172B2 (en) * 2003-06-09 2007-11-20 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Cyclone dust collecting apparatus of vacuum cleaner

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100536506B1 (ko) * 2003-09-09 2005-12-14 삼성광주전자 주식회사 사이클론 분리장치 및 이를 구비한 진공청소기
KR100536503B1 (ko) * 2003-09-09 2005-12-14 삼성광주전자 주식회사 사이클론 분리장치 및 이를 구비한 진공청소기
US7309368B2 (en) * 2004-02-11 2007-12-18 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Cyclone dust-collecting apparatus
EP1707272B1 (de) * 2005-03-29 2009-07-01 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Multi-Staubsammler

Patent Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2619498A1 (fr) 1987-08-17 1989-02-24 Bonnet Georges Filtre a batterie cyclonique pour aspirateurs
US6482252B1 (en) * 1999-01-08 2002-11-19 Fantom Technologies Inc. Vacuum cleaner utilizing electrostatic filtration and electrostatic precipitator for use therein
GB2360719A (en) 2000-03-31 2001-10-03 Notetry Ltd Apparatus for separating particles from a fluid flow
US6428589B1 (en) 2000-09-29 2002-08-06 Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Two-stage particle separator for vacuum cleaners
US6732406B2 (en) * 2001-01-11 2004-05-11 Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Upright type vacuum cleaner
WO2002067756A1 (en) 2001-02-24 2002-09-06 Dyson Ltd Cyclonic separating apparatus
WO2002067755A1 (en) 2001-02-24 2002-09-06 Dyson Ltd Cyclonic separating apparatus
KR20030062520A (ko) 2002-01-17 2003-07-28 김계훈 석고 및 요소를 포함하는 질소비료
US7297172B2 (en) * 2003-06-09 2007-11-20 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Cyclone dust collecting apparatus of vacuum cleaner
FR2865917A1 (fr) 2004-02-11 2005-08-12 Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co Collecteur de poussiere a cyclones
US20050252180A1 (en) * 2004-05-14 2005-11-17 Jang-Keun Oh Cyclone vessel dust collector and vacuum cleaner having the same
US20070079587A1 (en) * 2005-10-11 2007-04-12 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Multi-cyclone dust collector for vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner employing the same
US20070079585A1 (en) * 2005-10-11 2007-04-12 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Multi cyclone dust collector for a vacuum cleaner
US7547351B2 (en) * 2005-10-11 2009-06-16 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Multi cyclone dust collector for a vacuum cleaner
US20070095029A1 (en) * 2005-10-28 2007-05-03 Lg Electronics Inc. Upright vacuum cleaner

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
European Search Report dated Mar. 20, 2008 based on EP application No. EP06290872.

Cited By (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120042616A1 (en) * 2004-06-18 2012-02-23 Donaldson Company, Inc. Air cleaner arrangement; serviceable filter cartridge; and, methods
US8382876B2 (en) * 2004-06-18 2013-02-26 Donaldson Company, Inc. Air cleaner arrangement; serviceable filter cartridge; and, methods
US20110131936A1 (en) * 2007-07-30 2011-06-09 Ging-Chung Chen Structure of an impurities collecting bucket for an air separator and purifier
US8012230B2 (en) * 2007-07-30 2011-09-06 Ging-Chung Chen Structure of an impurities collecting bucket for an air separator and purifier
US7951218B2 (en) * 2009-02-16 2011-05-31 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Dust separating apparatus of vacuum cleaner
US20100205917A1 (en) * 2009-02-16 2010-08-19 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Dust separating apparatus of vacuum cleaner
US20120117753A1 (en) * 2010-11-16 2012-05-17 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Cyclone dust collecting apparatus and vacuum cleaner having the same
US8914941B2 (en) * 2010-11-16 2014-12-23 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Cyclone dust collecting apparatus and vacuum cleaner having the same
US20140352270A1 (en) * 2012-02-14 2014-12-04 Zhejiang Sanhua Climate and Appliance Controls Group Co., Ltd. Gas-liquid separator
US9696071B2 (en) * 2012-02-14 2017-07-04 Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co., Ltd. Gas-liquid separator
US10631697B2 (en) 2014-02-14 2020-04-28 Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. Separator configuration
US11412904B2 (en) 2014-02-14 2022-08-16 Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. Separator configuration
US10716444B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2020-07-21 Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. Vacuum cleaner having cyclonic separator
US9775483B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2017-10-03 Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. Vacuum cleaner having cyclonic separator
US11653800B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2023-05-23 Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. Handheld vacuum cleaner
US9693665B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2017-07-04 Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. Vacuum cleaner having cyclonic separator
US10117551B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2018-11-06 Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. Handheld vacuum cleaner
US10980379B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2021-04-20 Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. Handheld vacuum cleaner
US10557278B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2020-02-11 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner with cyclonic flow
US9885196B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2018-02-06 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner power coupling
US11236523B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2022-02-01 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner with cyclonic flow
US9909333B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2018-03-06 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner with hydrocyclonic particle separator and/or six-roller drive system
US11185201B2 (en) * 2016-04-25 2021-11-30 Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. Cyclone assembly for surface cleaning apparatus and a surface cleaning apparatus having same
US9885194B1 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-02-06 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner impeller subassembly
US10253517B2 (en) 2017-05-11 2019-04-09 Hayward Industries, Inc. Hydrocyclonic pool cleaner
US10767382B2 (en) 2017-05-11 2020-09-08 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner impeller subassembly
US10156083B2 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-12-18 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner power coupling
US9896858B1 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-02-20 Hayward Industries, Inc. Hydrocyclonic pool cleaner

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
RU2318427C1 (ru) 2008-03-10
AU2006201992A1 (en) 2007-04-26
KR100667877B1 (ko) 2007-01-16
AU2006201992B2 (en) 2008-06-05
DE602006016206D1 (de) 2010-09-30
CN1947640A (zh) 2007-04-18
EP1772090A3 (de) 2008-04-23
US20070079583A1 (en) 2007-04-12
EP1772090B1 (de) 2010-08-18
EP1772090A2 (de) 2007-04-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7682412B2 (en) Multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus
US7686858B2 (en) Cyclone dust collection apparatus
US7582129B2 (en) Multi-cyclone dust separating apparatus
US7501002B2 (en) Cyclone dust separator and a vacuum cleaner having the same
US7128770B2 (en) Cyclone dust-collector
US7628833B2 (en) Multi-cyclone dust separating apparatus
KR100688613B1 (ko) 진공청소기용 멀티 사이클론 집진장치
KR100648959B1 (ko) 멀티 사이클론 분리장치
EP1842597B1 (de) Staubsammler für einen Staubsauger
US7326268B2 (en) Multi cyclone vessel dust collecting apparatus for vacuum cleaner
US7803205B2 (en) Multi-cyclone dust separating apparatus having a filter assembly
KR100725514B1 (ko) 진공청소기용 멀티 사이클론 집진장치
EP1774889B1 (de) Multi-Zyklon Staubsammelvorrichtung für Staubsauger
KR100866354B1 (ko) 진공 청소기
GB2402092A (en) Dual cyclone for a vacuum cleaner
JP2004529682A (ja) サイクロン式分離装置
JP2011098150A (ja) 電気掃除機
KR100645951B1 (ko) 진공청소기용 멀티 사이클론 집진장치
KR100546628B1 (ko) 진공 청소기의 집진장치

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: SAMSUNG GWANGJU ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.,KOREA, REPUB

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:OH, JANG-KEUN;REEL/FRAME:017812/0526

Effective date: 20060412

Owner name: SAMSUNG GWANGJU ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., KOREA, REPU

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:OH, JANG-KEUN;REEL/FRAME:017812/0526

Effective date: 20060412

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Free format text: PAYER NUMBER DE-ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: RMPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20220323